Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-10-14
JIM POULDER'S MISTAKE.
A Pleasanc Story Of New Jersey
Life.

cloud OF dust WAS blown in, il was
also blown out with the exception of q
tired portion which stopped to rest on
the clothes Of the passengers, or bur-
rowed for its own safety in their ears
or nostrils. There were only two va
cant seats in the car and at Pankehap
station two persons came in to fill
them. One of these WAS an old man
on second look. he was probably not
over 50-with iron-pray hair partly
covered 10y a SLOUGH felt hat, and clad
in a new suit of gray stun that seemed
TO have been made for some one else.
With him was young and very pretty
girl, whose dress was of ordinary stuff.
but well-iitting, and who was we'll
gloved and wei! -shod
The observer would set down the two
for a well-to-do farmer and his daugh-
ter, who were travelling for business or
pleasure. The man looked around.
The two vacant seats were on opposite
sides Of the ear. In one Of them sat y
young. well-dre,sed. and apparently
self-satisiied gentleman. and the space
by his side was occupied by a handbag
OF crocodile lather and spring over
coat In the other was another young
man, not quite SO eXtrayagantly dress
ed, though neatly clad. and not as
handsome as the first, though he had
an open mteil gent countenance. The
farmer looked around. and, motioning
his laughter to the vacant seat. said;
There place foryou, Lucy Then,
turning to the young man with the
satchel. he asked: Seat engaged?"
The young man looked up, curled his
lip superc.l ously, and said. Man to
fill it'll be here presently. | dare say"
"Ah" sad the farmer, coolly remov-
ing the cripSack and oyercoat. and
placing them on the young mans lap;
"then III occupy i, until he comes.
And be seated himself accordingly.
while tine Young man g!ared at him.
The one ON the other side looked
amused; and then, rising, said: You
had better exchange seats With me. sir.
and then the Young lady aud yourself
will be together"
THANK YOU" was the farmers re-
ply; and the cxchSage was quietly eff
fected.
The two young men were evidently
acquainted; for the courteous one said
to the other. in a low voice: Jim
Pouldcr, you made = mistake there. -"
Il never make mistakes. Frank Boil
ing replied the other. Il dare say
you'll make your fortune some OF these
days bv be nc polite to the granger
population; but my fortune is already
made"
The first speaker said nothing more.
but draw ny "a paper from hi. pocket.
opened and ran his eye over it,.
columns.
Poulder iawncd a little. and at last
said This is too duh TOR yoar, faith
fully. James Poulder. I'll 70 into the
smokiue-car aud take Whit. Have q
snifter?" he inquired, producing n
pocket-lla,k.
"No, thank you" replied Boiling.
THAT stuff is rather too icry for me. ,"
Here goes alone, then. That's a,
fine brandy as ever crosses the ocean.
Day-day Keep an eye to my traps,
viii you ? and don't give up my seat to
every country yokel who ask, il"
The elegant young gentleman shook
himself, and made his way forward to
the car especially prov ded for fumiga-
ton.
When he had gone, the Old man
leaned over the arm OF his seat and adj
dressed Boil NJ.
Excuse me, sir but didn't your
friend who has left say that his name
was James Poulder?'
That's his name, sir, replied the
young man; "but he is not exactly a
friend OF mine though we live in the
same place. and know him very we'll $"
MAY inquire where he is from?"
yes, sir; Careysburg. y
sou of Peter b. Poulder the great
pork packer there, isn't he?"
yes, Sir
His father should deal with h m. 1t
would be quite in his line.
"Oh, Papa y said a sweet, reproach-
full voice, as those near who heard the
colloquy Uttered.
''It's fact Lucy" rejoincd the farm
err.
The old man, who was evidently in
telligeut entered into general con-
versation with the younger. and soon
showed that nc was quite well inform
ed. Boiling was glad Of conference
so entertaining. especially when. as
his eyes were bent in that direction, ne
saw the young lady was an interested.
and he hoped, n pleased listner. There
was something very sweet in the ex-
preston of her countenence-an I'M.
mistakable impress of modesty and
;npooopoa an bar faatnraa Thev ohaf